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Out-of-pocket costs. Preferred providers. Out-of-network. Concierge medical services. Personal healthcare costs. Co-payment. Co-insurance. Insurance consultants. Coverage agents. Healthcare consultants. Affordable Care Act. HMO. PPO. Exclusive Provider Organization. Point of Service. HDHP. Health Savings Account. FSA. HRA. EOB. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Small Business Health Options Program. Single coverage. Family coverage. Premium tax credits.

Confused? It's understandable. Who comprehends this complex system? Not the typical business owner. Neither the average worker. Choosing the right healthcare insurance for our business – or for households – seems like demands a PhD in medical insurance.

The Medical System Isn't Just Complex, It Is Expensive

According to recent research, the average family pays $27,000 annually for their health insurance (up 6% from last year). Typical company healthcare expense is projected to surpass $seventeen thousand per employee in 2026, an increase of 9.5% from 2025.

Currently the government is shut down due to partisan disputes regarding tax credits that experts say could cause a doubling of premiums for numerous US citizens.

When Might We Seriously Consider National Health Insurance?

When will we seriously consider a national health insurance program in the United States? I'm convinced we're approaching that point because this can't continue.

I'm not suggesting government-run medicine. I'm advocating that our already existing Medicare system – an established insurance framework – simply expand to cover everyone. Our infrastructure doesn't change. How our healthcare providers get paid changes. Believe me, they will adjust.

The Way Universal Coverage Would Work

A national health insurance program would need payments from employees and employers. In comparable systems, a worker earning moderate income pays approximately five point three percent toward medical coverage. The company must contribute about 13.75%.

Does this appear like a lot? Unless you contrast it to what the typical American pays. I can name dozens of clients that are routinely paying between 8% to 15% of their employee wages to their healthcare costs. Remember that with comprehensive systems, these contributions include pension plans, illness coverage, maternity leave and job loss protection in addition to supporting medical services. When including these expenses versus what we pay on retirement programs, job loss coverage and paid time off, the difference decreases.

Implementation for America

For America, universal healthcare funding would increase existing Medicare taxes, a framework already established. It ought to be means-based – those at higher income levels would pay more than lower-income earners. This includes both worker and company payments. Similar to much of federal military, IT, social programs and infrastructure, the program should be outsourced by private contractors instead of federal agencies.

Benefits for Entrepreneurs

A national health insurance program would be a huge benefit for entrepreneurs such as my company. It would put us on a level playing field with our larger competitors who can afford better plans. It would make administration significantly simpler (automatic payroll withholding processed similarly to retirement and healthcare taxes, rather than separate payments to benefit firms and coverage administrators).

It would enable it easier to plan expenses annual expenditures, rather than enduring the complicated (and fruitless) theater of bargaining with major insurers required annually each year. Due to simplification, there would be a better understanding of coverage by our employees – as opposed to existing arrangements which require them to decipher the complexities of current options. And there would certainly be less liability for companies since we wouldn't have access to workers' health histories for risk assessment and alternative plans.

Free-Market Viewpoint

I'm as pro-market as they get. But I've learned that government play important functions in society, including national security to supporting needed infrastructure. Ensuring medical coverage to all through a national insurance system strengthens our economy's infrastructure. It's a better, simpler approach for small businesses which hire more than half of the country's workers and fund half the economic output. It makes it possible for workers to be healthier, come to work more often and be more productive.

Addressing Concerns

Exist numerous factors I haven't covered? Certainly. Given rising medical expenses experienced recently, it's clear that the Affordable Care Act is not working effectively. And I realize that America isn't a compact European nation where big changes can be readily adopted. But expanding Medicare for all, even with increased taxation required, would remain a superior and less expensive approach both for managing medical expenses and ensuring coverage to everyone.

Time for Realistic Evaluation

As Americans, must reduce national pride. Our healthcare system isn't so great. The US places well below numerous nations with the best healthcare globally, based on major studies. Maybe one bright spot amid current situation could be that we take serious examination in the mirror and acknowledge that major reforms are necessary.